The new plan is better but will up your costs . This seems discretionary but if you can line item this into your budget I'd say do it. One assumes you have handy and ample landing counter near for fridge retrieving

/\ This. Must have nearby landing!!

Love option 2, agree about nearby landing.

Good call on the nearby landing and yes - the island will be right there :)

Would widen door opening and install french doors.

You may feel disillusioned with your existing pantry because the access is narrow and the shelves are too deep. I imagine stuff gets lost in the back, and some things are a pain to reach. mdln's suggestion would make better use of your existing space.

If you go with the pantry cabinets, how will you use the old pantry space?

I would prefer choice #2, but in your inspiration pic the fridge sticks out. A counter depth fridge, a recessed fridge, or deeper surrounding cabinetry would be my choice so that the fridge doesn’t stick out.

With cabinets, you can use that space at the top that is currently going unused in your closet.

I'd prefer option #2 (and that's what I'm in the process of doing in my kitchen), provided your new pantry cabinets have deep pullouts that give you access to the full depth.